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I flew into the Bay Area on Friday at 10:30 PM and met up with the rest of the crew on Sunday at 7:30 before our 3.5 hr drive to Yosemite(pronounced Yo’s might…no not really). We’re all high school friends & hadn’t seen each other in awhile so it’s good to be meeting up. We drove in Ankoor(aka Kipta)’s car, but for some reason he wanted the rear middle seat. Known to be the most uncomfortable position in any car, we salute him for his sacrifice.

Rushi(Sushi/Rushiski) had booked a really nice airbnb in the town of El Portal, just outside the Yosemite park gate.  I was expecting more of a cabin, but it turned out to be a fully furnished house with an amazing kitchen & living room. After dropping off our stuff at the house, Kipta, Gopi(Gops), Rushi & myself headed to the valley floor while Nirav(The Chit) hung back at the house.                                                        

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After seeing signs that informed us of 2 hour delays on a normally 20-minute drive, we wisely parked the car & bushwhacked until we found the Yosemite Valley loop trail. We ended up hiking this for about an hour until we got to the base of the Four-Mile trail up to the colossal Glacier Point. After admiring the sight for a bit, we turned around & headed back. Our plan is to have diner & be in bed by 8, waking up at 3:30 for – that’s right – an Alpine Start!! It’s going to be over 90 tomorrow & the last thing we want is to be out in the exposed sun at 3 PM. The goal is to summit by 11 & be down by 3.

Back at the house, Rushi & the guys cooked an unbelievably delicious Ravioli pasta with pesto & tomato sauce, as well as some incredibly tasty buttery garlic bread. I was of course totally useless in the kitchen, so I instead offered emotional support. Turns out it wasn’t needed. We were all showered, packed & in bed by around 8:30, so things are looking good for our climb tomorrow.

Continue to Day 1 – Summiting Half Dome